Amarillo Makes the New York Times in Print, and Not in a Good Way

As of Wednesday, April 29 more than a million people in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 60,200 have died according to a New York Times database.

Also, as of Wednesday, Amarillo was also listed as the fourth-highest average daily growth rate of COVID-19 cases at 16 percent with cases doubling every 4.7 days The New York Times Covid-19 website marks Amarillo as a possible future hotspot. Other cities in the top five are:

No. 1: Sioux City, Iowa - 99 percent (1,322 cases)

No. 2: Green Bay, Wisconsin - 27 percent (834 cases)

No. 3: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa - 21 percent (912 cases)

No. 4: Amarillo - 16 percent (437 cases)

No. 5: Des Moines, Iowa - 16 percent (772 cases)

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With Governor Abbott and Mayor Nelson beginning phase one of re-opening Amarillo on Friday, it’s now more important to follow the CDC recommendations of social distancing and proper respiratory hygiene.

Wash your hands. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.

Keep distance from sick people and wear a mask. Try to stay six feet away from anybody showing flu- or cold-like symptoms, and don’t go to work if you’re sick. Also wear a mask in any public area.

Prepare your family, and communicate your plan about evacuations, resources, and supplies. Experts suggest stocking at least a 30-day supply of any needed prescriptions. Consider doing the same for food staples, laundry detergent, and diapers, if you have small children.